The Hampton Hills Bypass Project is nearing completion. Please view the menu below for details about remaining work. We understand that everyone is eager to see the roundabout open thank you for your patience.

Current Status: As many of you are aware, the road and south roundabout have been paved. In addition, landscaping and area clean-up have been underway. Thank you for your understanding, and please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Anticipated Opening Dates:

• October 18: South Roundabout expected opening date.
• October 30: Bypass Road expected opening date.
  

Both dates depend on weather conditions in the coming weeks, and on the completion of important tasks so they can be safely opened to the public.

Project Details

• View Project Drawing
• Notification Letter to Residents

Excerpt from Notification Letter:

• The existing 4-way stop intersections at Hamptons Blvd/2nd Ave SE (South Intersection) and Hampton Hills Drive/20th St NE (North Intersection) will be upgraded to mini-roundabouts.
• A re-alignment of the Hamptons Bypass Road between Hamptons Blvd and Hampton Hills Drive from the current 90-degree corner
• A gravel surface to a long gentle curve will be completed, with a curb and gutters and a paved surface.
• A paved pathway on the north side of 2nd Ave. SE, from Hamptons Blvd west to the Little Bow Canal, will be constructed to connect the Hamptons to the Happy Trail pathway system.

In spring 2023, to prepare for the project, the removal of streetlights along the existing alignment occurred to eliminate conflicts and speed up construction.

In June 2022, geotechnical work was completed to prepare for this project.

On May 23, 2023, the Hamptons Bypass Connector tender was approved by the Town of High River and awarded to Bow Mark Paving Ltd. from Okotoks.

Bow Mark will complete three projects within this tender: Hampton Bypass, the regional pathway connector and asphalt rehabilitation from 2nd Street to the flood gate along Centre Street.

• Read the Council Request for Decision information, approved May 23, 2023

Project Background:

At their meeting on June 12, 2023, High River's Town Council passed a resolution to move forward with a temporary solution in response to community requests for safety controls at the intersection of High Country Drive and High View Gate NW.

The High Country Drive project addresses three main concerns at this intersection. These include making it safer for pedestrians, ensuring the crossing for golf carts is safe, and tackling the problem of high speeds. The temporary changes are designed to create more walking room for pedestrians, offer a safe passage for golf carts, improve visibility for pedestrians and golf carts, and decrease vehicle speeds and traffic congestion on High Country Drive.

As this project is temporary, the traffic calming devices purchased will be used for a multitude of projects in the future. The devices will be removed and repurposed following a final decision on the High Country Drive intersection.

Our top priority remains the safety of our community.

The current state of the intersection is temporary as we gather community feedback and data before deciding on a permanent design.

Your Voice Matters!

This project is a pivotal step toward improving connectivity and safety, but it's not set in stone. Your feedback is valuable; we're committed to listening to your thoughts. Over the next six months, we'll actively collect community feedback. At the end of this period, a report will be presented to the Town of High River Council to review all input and decide on the next steps.

Have Your Say

All residents are welcome to share their thoughts on the High Country Drive intersection project. Your insights can make a real difference! To make things easy, we have set up a dedicated feedback channel that can be found below. Together, we can shape the future of our community's infrastructure.

Work to restore the Beachwood area to a riparian area takes place from January to June 2022. You will find links to resources and answers to questions about this project on this page. We welcome your questions about the project and will update this page regularly. Please visit this page regularly and watch for updates on the Town's social media channels.

Questions?

We welcome your questions. If you have a question that is not included in the FAQ below, email: engineering@highriver.ca.

• December 13 Regular Council Meeting request award of project contract for infrastructure removal
• January 10 Committee of the Whole discussion and next steps
• View maps and drawings of the project

What happened to the Beachwood area?

• Following the devastation of this area by the 2013 flood, Beachwood homes identified as touching the mapped floodway were bought out and removed by the Government of Alberta.
• In 2018, the Town and other utility providers decommissioned the services to the lots, and natural vegetation has been allowed to grow throughout the area.

What is happening in 2022?

• In January 2022, the removal of roads and utilities will be completed. Silt stockpiles will be restricted within the site.
• In April and May of this year, the following work will occur: emergency and maintenance access will be completed, disturbed areas will be covered with topsoil and seeded with a native seed mix, and a small gravel parking lot will be constructed just off 12th Avenue.

Why is it important to restore this area to its natural state?

• This area is part of the floodway of the Highwood River, meaning it is a natural corridor or channel that needs to be unhindered to convey water down the river during significant high-water events safely.
• Obstructions and development in this area would lead to higher river water levels during significant high-water events.
• The Government of Alberta purchased lands under the Floodway Relocation Program to prevent this area from being redeveloped, reducing risk to our residents.

What is involved in the restoration process?

• Actions to facilitate the return of this area to its natural state may include adding topsoil and seeding with native or indigenous plants typically found in the surrounding lands.
• Resident access to the re-seeded areas may be temporarily restricted to allow the vegetation to be established.

What is the cost of the work being done in 2022?

• The estimated project cost is $515,000 and is 70 percent funded by a Government of Alberta Grant for flood renewal projects. The remaining 30 percent is funded from the Town's Capital Reserves.

How does this relate to the Open Space Master Plan?

• Restrictions on the grant funding have not permitted the time to meet all Open Space Master Plan recommendations, such as the "Cracks in the Pavement" education. However, it can still support the Forest School concept.
• This project supports the Open Space Master Plan, reinforcing the importance of riparian areas.
• Refer to page 227 of the Open Space Master Plan for information relating to the Beachwood Cleanup and Restoration project.

What is the timeline for completion of this project?

• Removal of roads and utilities is targeted for completion by the end of January 2022 but may extend past this date, depending on weather conditions.
• Work to return this area to a natural state will begin in April/May and be completed by June 2022.
• The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of June 2022 but may require minor maintenance activities to establish the vegetation into 2024.
• Once this work wraps up, there may be ongoing maintenance until the Fall.

Will we be able to walk in this area?

• Residents can continue to enjoy this area as they do currently.
• Some areas may be temporarily restricted to allow new growth to be established.

Will there be any new pathways or upgraded pathways?

• No new pathways or pathway upgrades are being constructed. Current pathways will remain as they are.
• The Happy Trails pathway network passes beside the Beachwood area, and we encourage their use. There are 19 kilometres of paved pathways designed for everyone to enjoy High River's beautiful natural setting.
• A dog station will be installed as part of the parking lot construction just off 12th Avenue.